3 great ways to cook with vinegar

Most of us only reach for a bottle of vinegar when we’re treating ourselves to some fish and chips, but did you know there’s a whole world of vinegars just waiting to be discovered?

Take apple cider vinegar; normally linked to extreme celebrity weight loss diets, it also makes a pretty tasty salad dressing. Or how about using balsamic vinegar instead of sugar on your strawberries?! We’ve found 3 easy recipes using unusual vinegars below. So, leave the chips for another day and try something different tonight.

Simple salad dressing

Good for: helping look after your heart Serves 2

• 3 tbsp rapeseed oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar *
• Crushed garlic clove
• Salt and pepper

* Available at Holland & Barrett

Method

Step 1 Whisk together the oil, vinegar, garlic and a pinch each of salt and ground black pepper. Step 2 Serve drizzled over your salad for a heart-healthy meal; rapeseed oil has been shown to help lower both cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Sugar-free strawberries

Good for: an antioxidant boost Serves 2

• 100g strawberries
• Balsamic vinegar
• Ground black pepper

Method

Step 1 Prepare the strawberries, then grind over fresh black pepper and drizzle with some balsamic vinegar. Step 2 Serve straight away – it sounds bizarre but the taste combination really works! Strawberries are rich in antioxidants that are known to help protect our bodies from damaging free radicals.

Cheat’s salsa

Good for: a nutrient-rich snack Serves 4

• 1 large tin chopped tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• Crushed garlic clove
• ½ small red chilli, sliced
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar *
• 2 tsp mint sauce
• 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
• Salt and pepper
• Sprig of coriander, chopped

* Available at Holland & Barrett

Method

Step 1 Put all the ingredients into a food processor and blitz together. Step 2 Serve with either sliced peppers and carrot sticks, oatcakes, or toasted pitta bread for a healthy snack between meals.